Cavities are areas of tooth decay that are mainly caused by poor oral hygiene. If left untreated for too long, they will continue to worsen until the tooth becomes infected. At this point, the only way to save the tooth is with a root canal. This procedure is said to be no more painful than having a large cavity filled by many patients, but how long does it take? Keep reading to learn how long you can expect root canal treatment and recovery to take.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
As previously mentioned, a root canal is performed when a tooth is severely infected. This procedure is generally better than having a tooth extracted since it both saves you money on replacement teeth and allows you to maintain your natural bite.
Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic before the procedure to make sure that you’re comfortable throughout treatment. Next, they will make a small hole in the tooth enamel, which gives them access to the infected tissue. They will then clean and sanitize the tooth to get rid of leftover bacteria. Finally, it will be filled with a biocompatible material and sealed with a filling or crown.
How Long Do Root Canals Take?
A factor that contributes to how long root canal therapy will take is the type of tooth that’s being worked on:
- Molar –These contain a lot of tissue and have up to four roots, so it may take upwards of 90 minutes to complete treatment.
- Premolar – These have one or two roots and are slightly smaller than molars, so treatment usually takes 45 to 90 minutes.
- Incisors and canines – These only have one root and are the smallest teeth, so it only takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete the procedure.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Therapy?
After a few days, patients have usually fully recovered from root canal therapy. You may experience some pain or discomfort near the surgical site the first day or two after the procedure. Your dentist will likely prescribe medication to help, or they may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers for a few days.
If you’re still sore or your symptoms haven’t improved within a few days, reach out to your dentist. They will be able to determine if something is wrong and will offer behaviors or treatment options to fix the issue.
About the Practice
TrueCare Dentistry is based in Mesquite and treats its Texas patients with the quality, effective care they need to achieve and maintain healthy, happy smiles. They offer a wide range of treatment options, such as root canals to treat severe tooth infections. They can also teach you the best way to care for your smile in the future to avoid the need for additional treatment. Call TrueCare Dentistry’s office at (469) 399-7288 or visit their website if you want to set up an appointment with Dr. Rana or to learn more about their services.